Sacramento guard Jason Williams will miss the first five games of the next National Basketball Association season after the league suspended him on Thursday for violating its anti-drug policy.
The NBA and the Players Association are prohibited from publicly disclosing information regarding the testing or treatment of any NBA player in the program, other than to reveal a player's suspension or banishment from the NBA.
Williams' violation came for not complying with treatment obligations.
A 1998 first-round pick, Williams was tabbed seventh overall by the Kings despite a checkered college career that included his dismissal from the University of Florida team for marijuana use.
A stiffer anti-drug program was instituted as part of the new collective bargaining agreement signed by owners and players before the 1998-99 season. A series of drug-related incidents involving players led to the new program.
The suspension capped an extremely disappointing season for Williams, whose flashy play was criticized as all style and no substance after fans and media marveled at his wizardry during his rookie season.
Williams, 24, averaged 12.3 points and 7.3 assists in 81 games last season. But he shot just 37 percent from the field, committed nearly 300 turnovers and found himself on the bench during the fourth quarter of some playoff games – (AFP)
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